Slicer center cap fix?

[Power Surge]

I assume it's no secret that the slicer center caps snap into the rims like they are ready for the Baja 1000. Taking them off seems to result in either damaging the rim, the cap, or seperating the cap from it's metal retainer ring.

Has anyone tried to modify these so they come off easier? I had an idea but curious to hear feedback. I was thinking of taking a cutoff wheel and making cuts in the metal retainer ring so that it's more like seperate tabs instead of a full ring. I think this should make the caps much easier to come off.

Thoughts?

 

[Racer X]

Back when I cared about scratching my slicers (sleeping behind the wheel took care of that ), I had a special small prybar, about the length of a screwdriver, replete with a handle, that I had dipped in liquid rubber (Vinyl? Teflon?). Anyway, it got the cap off, and kept the wheel from getting scratched.

Gapping the retaining ring will lessen it's rigidity, and increase the likelihood of losing a centercap.

 

[Eric VerValin]

thats the exact reason why I only have 3... I got one that lost the 2 plastic 'rivits' and when I was still using it, I made sure that loose part was on the opposite side of the notch so it would still pop out ok. But its getting warped and is getting pretty weak now. I had it on the other day, and lost it, only to find it 2 days later a block from here laying up against the curb.

 

[Power Surge]

Back when I cared about scratching my slicers (sleeping behind the wheel took care of that ), I had a special small prybar, about the length of a screwdriver, replete with a handle, that I had dipped in liquid rubber (Vinyl? Teflon?). Anyway, it got the cap off, and kept the wheel from getting scratched.

Gapping the retaining ring will lessen it's rigidity, and increase the likelihood of losing a centercap.

I have to disagree. The factory cap setup is way overkill for holding the cap on. Most other Ford center caps are almost comical in the way they areheld on, yet never have problems coming off.

The problem with the stock setup, is that you've got 360* of an oversized metal ring with NO give that goes under a lip. My idea will simply allow the ring to flex and release off the rim easier. When on the rim, it's still held on with all the same amount of force as stock.

I'll give it a try in the near future and post the results. I plan to get all new center caps, and since I've already broke 3 of the ones I have now, I don't want to break the new ones.

 

[Power Surge]

I just want to follow up on this...

I did what I said I was going to try. I made 8 slices (spaced like a pizza pie)into the metal ring that retains the cap to the rim. It works GREAT! There is still plenty of tension holding the cap on, but you don't need a jackhammer to get the damn things off anymore.

 

[98TRSHO]

on one of our SHO's and I cant remember what one some idiot drilled a hole big enough to fit a screwdriver in...